Summer is a wonderful season, but the heat can be oppressive. Depending on where you live, you may feel blazing dry heat or humid, sticky heat. Neither one is optimal and both require you to drink lots of water to avoid dehydration. There’s no reason to suffer from heat stroke when you can easily keep the body hydrated with the tips in this article.
Water is necessary for many biochemical reactions in the body. It works to aid with waste removal, maintain proper circulation, regulate body temperature, and deliver nutrients throughout the body. Without water, the body quickly becomes dehydrated. Dehydration can show itself in many ways, for example, thirst, bad breath, muscle cramps, or general fatigue. It’s also possible to experience headaches, constipation, or dizziness.
When it’s hot outside, getting enough water is more important than ever. The body easily dehydrates in intense eat, and it can be easy to forget about water if you participate in fun, summer activities. Don’t end up in a hospital hooked up to an IV to replenish the body. You can easily avoid that if you use the following tips to stay hydrated during hot weather.
Always Have Extra Water If You’re Outside
If you are outside in the heat, you can dehydrate quickly. It’s also easy to lose electrolytes via sweat, specifically sodium and potassium, so you have to replenish the body with water and electrolytes. To avoid low blood sodium and dehydration, bring a large water bottle and hydrate throughout your entire time outside. Additionally, consider buying all natural coconut water for electrolyte replenishment.
Cool Down
Drinking water isn’t always enough to properly hydrate the body. People tend to neglect the fact that regulating body temperature is integral for proper hydration. The risk of heat stroke is much higher during summer, so do your best to keep the body cool. Wear loose-fitting clothing, avoid strenuous activity, and wear lighter colors when it’s hot outside. Protect your body by staying in the shade when possible, or cool off in a body of water. Lastly, keep a spray bottle of cold water on hand to mist yourself if need be.
Hydrate Before A Hike
Hiking is a classic summer activity, but it’s easy to overheat and get dehydrated if the sun is blazing. Drink up before you hit the trail and get a head start on your hydration efforts. You can even bring a snack that helps to hydrate the body. Watermelon, cucumbers, and celery are great hydrating produce items. Additionally, carry a backpack with a bladder full of water, like a Camelbak. Not only will your back be cool, but you’ll have a hose to hydration on you at all times.
Start Drinking Early
Water, we are talking about water. Drinking alcohol is a surefire way to dehydrate the body in no time. The body is naturally dehydrated when you wake up, so start your day with at least 16 ounces of water before you eat anything. Mornings are often the coolest parts of the day, so get ahead of dehydration. Additionally, consider doing strenuous activity in the mornings or evenings because you won’t sweat as much and you’ll stay more hydrated.
Drink Water When You Sweat
Whether you play a pick-up game of basketball or head out on a hike, it’s your obligation to your health to drink water every time you sweat. The humidity, how much you sweat, and how long you exercise all contribute to dehydration. A great recommendation is to drink about 20 ounces of water two to three hours before exercise. Drink eight ounces of water 20-30 minutes before you exercise, and drink about 7-10 ounces of water every 20 minutes during exercise. Within 30 minutes of finishing your workout, drink eight ounces of water.
Eat Foods With High Water Content
About 20% of your daily water intake comes from food, so it’s wise to consume a variety fruits and vegetables for optimal water intake. Most fruits and vegetables contain some water, but some have more than others. Cucumbers, celery, tomatoes, radishes, bell peppers, watermelon, strawberries, broccoli, spinach, and grapefruit are great water-rich produce items. All of them contain 90% water or higher, so eat up!
